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Auditorium Theatre

Theaters ·Chicago ·Closed
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About

Auditorium Theatre is a music and performance venue in Chicago’s historic Auditorium Building, a National Historic Landmark at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive.

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Auditorium Theatre

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What's on here

Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen Saturday · All day Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson 10 Nov – 12 Nov The Auditorium 2026 Annual Gala The Auditorium 2026 Annual Gala Thursday · All day Wild Kratts Live! 2.0 Wild Kratts Live! 2.0 Saturday · All day Simply Ina: An Evening with Ina Garten Simply Ina: An Evening with Ina Garten Thursday · All day Andrea Gibson’s Love Letter from the Afterlife Andrea Gibson’s Love Letter from the Afterlife Saturday · All day Daniel Sloss Daniel Sloss Sunday · All day Nate Jackson Nate Jackson Friday · All day Show more

Why go

  • Designed by Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright called the auditorium the greatest room for music and opera.

Opening hours

Today12:00 – 17:00Show all
Monday12:00 – 17:00
Tuesday12:00 – 17:00
Wednesday12:00 – 17:00
Thursday12:00 – 17:00
Friday12:00 – 17:00
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

The hall

Seating
Main floor, balconies and side box seats The main floor and balconies are designed for good sightlines. Nearly all seats require navigating steps in the lobby or auditorium.

Interesting facts4

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  1. 3,500 carbon

    The original design included 3,500 carbon filament bulbs; daily ice deliveries supplied the air conditioning.

    Auditorium Theatre - Wikipedia
  2. 26 hydraulic

    The stage had 26 hydraulic lifts and a 95-foot loft for scenery.

    Auditorium Theatre - Wikipedia

  3. Frank Lloyd Wright worked on the project as an apprentice.

    Chicago/Loop - Wikivoyage (do)
  4. 1893

    The theatre’s opening helped Chicago secure the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition by demonstrating that the city could host a fair.

    Auditorium Theatre - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

Peck wanted to make high culture accessible and improve Chicago’s reputation. Hotel and office proceeds were intended to fund performances and affordable tickets.

  1. 1885Ferdinand Wythe Peck began planning the Auditorium Building.
  2. 1889The theatre opened on December 9 with President Benjamin Harrison among the guests. Madame Adelina Patti sang “Home Sweet Home.”
  3. Early yearsPerformers included John Philip Sousa, Sarah Bernhardt and Anna Pavlova. Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington also appeared.
  4. 1904The Chicago Symphony Orchestra moved from the theatre to Orchestra Hall.
  5. 1921Sergei Prokofiev’s opera L’amour des trois oranges premiered at the theatre on December 30.
Show all
  1. 1929The Chicago Grand Opera Company and its successors moved to the Civic Opera House.
  2. 1941The theatre closed after going bankrupt.
  3. 1942The building became a servicemen’s center, and the stage and front rows were converted into a bowling alley.
  4. 1946Roosevelt University acquired the building, saving the venue from demolition. The theatre remained dormant for two decades.
  5. 1967After refurbishment overseen by Harry Weese, the theatre reopened on October 31 with the New York City Ballet.
  6. 1998–2019The Joffrey Ballet performed at the theatre.

How to get there

  • TrainThe Library CTA stop serves the theatre.

Accessibility

  • Step-free entry An accessible ramp entrance is just west of the main doors, near Ida B. Wells Drive and Wabash Avenue. The main entrance has three steps.
  • Lift An elevator is in the northwest corner of the Main Floor Lobby.
  • Toilet Two accessible gender-neutral restrooms are in the southwest corner of the Main Lobby; two more are on Level 3.
  • Assistive listening Free infrared listening devices are available from the coat check between Aisles 2 and 3.
  • Audio description, sign language interpretation and captioning Guests may request these services when buying tickets.
  • Wheelchair-accessible Main Floor Lobby Bar

Sources: Auditorium Theatre - Wikipedia · Chicago/Loop - Wikivoyage (do) · The Auditorium | Historic Performing Arts Venue… · Accessibility | The Auditorium Theatre · Newsletter | The Auditorium Theatre · checked 7 Oct 2026

Where
50 E Ida B Wells Dr, IL, Chicago

Plan from here: With kids →

Questions and answers

Are booster seats available at Auditorium Theatre?

Booster seats are available at the Main Floor Lobby coat check.

Where can I get ear plugs at Auditorium Theatre?

Disposable ear plugs are available at the Main Floor Lobby coat check.

Can I bring food or drinks into Auditorium Theatre?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside.

Can I bring an animal to Auditorium Theatre?

Only certified service animals are permitted at events.

What restoration is planned at Auditorium Theatre?

A restoration announced in late 2025 is planned to restore the stained glass skylight, atrium and Celtic wall stenciling by fall 2027.

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